Car Crashes in Atlanta, GA: What To Do, Where To Turn, and How It Works Here

Car crashes in Atlanta, GA are unfortunately common, especially on busy routes like the Downtown Connector, I-285, Peachtree Street, and around major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Whether you live in the city, commute from the suburbs, or are visiting, knowing what to do after a crash in Atlanta can make everything safer, less stressful, and easier to navigate.

This guide walks you through what to do at the scene, how Atlanta-area procedures work, and where to contact key local agencies.

Immediate Steps After a Car Crash in Atlanta

1. Make Safety Your First Priority

If you’re involved in a car crash in Atlanta, GA:

• Move to a safe location if the vehicles are drivable and it’s safe to do so (for example, to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot).
• Turn on hazard lights.
• Check for injuries (yourself, passengers, and others involved).
• Call 911 for emergencies:
  Emergency number (citywide): 911
  This connects you with Atlanta Police Department (APD), fire, and EMS.

If you’re on an interstate like I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, or I‑285, try to move off the active travel lanes as soon as safely possible to avoid secondary collisions.

2. Call the Police (When You Should in Atlanta)

In Georgia, you generally should contact law enforcement if:

• Anyone is injured or killed
• There is apparent property damage above a relatively low threshold
• A driver is suspected of DUI or leaves the scene
• Vehicles can’t be safely moved

If the crash occurs inside Atlanta city limits, you’ll generally deal with:

• Atlanta Police Department (APD)
  Non-emergency line: (404) 658‑6666

For crashes on interstates or in areas patrolled by state officers, you may interact with:

• Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Troop C – Metro Atlanta
  Emergency via 911
  General information line (State Patrol HQ): (404) 624‑7700

Let the dispatcher know exactly where you are using:

• Nearby exits (e.g., “I‑85 northbound near the 17th Street exit”)
• Landmarks (e.g., “near Georgia State University campus downtown”)
• Neighborhoods or corridors (e.g., Buckhead, Midtown, West End)

3. Exchange Information the Right Way

Collect and share this with all drivers involved:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Phone numbers and email addresses

Also note:

• Location of the crash (street names, closest intersection, exit numbers)
• Time and date of the crash
• Weather and road conditions (rain, heavy traffic, construction zones, etc.)

If there are witnesses, politely ask for:

• Their name and phone number
• Whether they’re willing to give a statement if needed

4. Document the Scene in Detail

Photos and notes can be important later on. Use your phone to capture:

• Damage to all vehicles, from multiple angles
• License plates
• Traffic signals, stop signs, or lane markings
• Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
• Any visible injuries, if the person is comfortable with that

In busy Atlanta intersections (like around Peachtree Street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, or North Avenue), try to document things quickly so you can get out of traffic.

When and How to File a Crash Report in Atlanta

Police Reports at the Scene

If an officer responds to your car crash in Atlanta, GA, they may:

• Secure the scene
• Interview drivers and witnesses
• Take measurements and observations
• Issue citations if traffic laws were violated
• Create an official Georgia Uniform Motor Vehicle Accident Report

Ask the officer how and when you can get a copy of the report.

Getting an Atlanta Crash Report Later

Crash reports for incidents in Atlanta are generally made available by law enforcement. For most crashes handled by APD:

Atlanta Police Department – Central Records Unit

• 226 Peachtree St SW
• Atlanta, GA 30303
• General information (City of Atlanta routing): (404) 546‑0311 (you may be directed to the records unit)

You can typically request a report:

• In person (during posted business hours)
• By mail (with required information and fees)
• Online through statewide or local portals (check APD or Georgia DPS resources)

Have this info ready:

• Date and approximate time of the crash
• Location of the crash
• Names of drivers involved
• Case or report number, if the officer gave you one

Understanding How Georgia Law Affects Car Crashes in Atlanta

Fault and Insurance in Georgia

Georgia is a fault-based state. For a car crash in Atlanta, GA:

• The driver who is found at fault (or more at fault) is generally responsible for damages.
• Claims may be filed with:
  • Your own insurance (such as for collision coverage)
  • The other driver’s insurance
  • Sometimes both, depending on coverages and circumstances

Atlanta drivers must carry minimum liability coverage required by Georgia law. Many people choose higher limits than the minimum, especially given the damage that can occur in multi-car crashes on Atlanta’s busy highways.

Comparative Negligence in Georgia

Georgia uses a form of comparative negligence:

• If more than one person contributed to the crash, responsibility can be shared in percentages.
• This can affect how much compensation someone may receive.

Fault is typically influenced by:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Photos, videos, and any available camera footage (for example, from nearby businesses or traffic cameras)

Typical Crash Scenarios in Atlanta

While every collision is different, people in Atlanta frequently deal with:

• Rear-end crashes in stop-and-go traffic, especially on the Downtown Connector and I‑285
• Intersection collisions on busy corridors like Peachtree Street, Memorial Drive, and Moreland Avenue
• Side-swipes and lane-change collisions on multi-lane freeways
• Parking lot crashes at large shopping areas, stadium events, or in Midtown and Buckhead decks
• Rideshare-related incidents, with Uber/Lyft vehicles common around major hotels, nightlife areas, and the airport

The general process for handling these crashes—safety, police involvement, insurance, documentation—remains the same throughout the city.

Medical Attention After a Car Crash in Atlanta

Even if you feel okay after a car crash in Atlanta, GA, some injuries may not be obvious right away. It’s common for people to seek medical evaluation after the crash, especially if:

• Airbags deployed
• There was moderate or high-speed impact
• You notice pain, dizziness, confusion, or anything out of the ordinary later

Options in and around Atlanta include:

• Emergency rooms for serious or potentially serious injuries

  • Examples in the city:
    • Grady Memorial Hospital – 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
    • Emory University Hospital – 1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322

• Urgent care centers and clinics for less severe concerns, located in many neighborhoods across the city

When possible, bring:

• Your ID
• Insurance card
• Any crash-related documents (photos, crash report number, etc.)

Handling Tows and Impounds in Atlanta

After a crash, especially if your car can’t be driven, a tow truck may be dispatched.

On Atlanta Streets

If APD or another local agency arranges a tow:

• The vehicle is often taken to a private towing company’s lot that contracts with the City.
• You may receive information at the scene about where your vehicle will be stored, or you may need to contact APD later with your case number.

On Georgia Interstates Around Atlanta

For crashes on I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, or I‑285, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Georgia State Patrol often coordinate removal of disabled vehicles to keep traffic moving. Your vehicle may be moved to:

• A nearby shoulder or safe location
• A designated tow lot associated with a towing rotation

If you’re unsure where your car went, you can:

• Call APD if the crash was in city limits
• Call Georgia State Patrol for interstate incidents:
  (404) 624‑7700 (main number, can direct you appropriately)

Insurance Steps After a Car Crash in Atlanta

Once you’ve handled immediate safety and basic reporting, turn to your insurance:

1. Notify Your Insurance Company

Most policies require timely notice after a crash, even if you don’t think you were at fault. Be prepared to share:

• Date, time, and location of the crash
• Names and insurance details of other drivers
• Police report number, if you have it
• Photos, notes, and witness information

2. Understand Common Types of Coverage

Typical coverages that may apply after an Atlanta crash include:

Not every Atlanta driver carries all of these, so it’s important to know what’s on your policy.

3. Keep Organized Records

After a car crash in Atlanta, GA, it helps to keep a dedicated folder (digital or physical) with:

• Insurance claim numbers and adjuster contact info
• Medical visit summaries and receipts (if applicable)
• Body shop estimates and invoices
• Tow and storage receipts
• Any written communication related to the crash

Where To Turn for Official Information in Atlanta

Here are some key public-facing agencies and offices relevant to car crashes in Atlanta:

Atlanta Police Department (APD)

For traffic incidents within the City of Atlanta:

• Non-emergency line: (404) 658‑6666
• Central Records (for reports):
  226 Peachtree St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

Use 911 only for emergencies.

Georgia State Patrol (GSP)

For many crashes on interstates in and around Atlanta:

• Main contact: (404) 624‑7700
• Emergency: 911

Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)

If your license or driving status is affected:

• DDS Customer Service Center (Atlanta and metro area locations)
  Check the Georgia DDS directory for the closest center to your neighborhood (e.g., near Hapeville, Forest Park, or Norcross, depending where you live or work).

Local Municipal Courts

If your car crash in Atlanta, GA involves citations within city limits, you may receive notice to appear at:

• City of Atlanta Municipal Court
  150 Garnett St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line (routing through city services): generally accessible via City of Atlanta information numbers

Other nearby cities in the metro (Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park, etc.) have their own municipal courts and procedures if the crash happened in their jurisdictions.

Practical Tips Specific to Driving in Atlanta

• Plan for heavy traffic. Crashes are more likely during rush hours on the Downtown Connector, I‑285, and key surface streets. Extra following distance can help.
• Watch for construction zones. The Atlanta area frequently has road work that can change lane patterns and speed limits.
• Be cautious around events. Around Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and major concert venues, traffic patterns and parking-lot congestion increase the risk of low-speed collisions.
• Understand one-way streets and tight turns. In downtown and Midtown Atlanta, many streets are one-way or have complex turn lanes. Take an extra moment to check signs and markings.

Simple Step-by-Step Checklist After a Car Crash in Atlanta, GA

1. 🚨 Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone may be hurt.
2. 🚗 Move to safety if you can do so safely.
3. 📞 Notify law enforcement (APD or 911, depending on circumstances).
4. 🔄 Exchange information with all drivers and, if possible, witnesses.
5. 📷 Document the scene with photos and notes.
6. 📝 Ask how to get the crash report and write down any case/report number.
7. 🏥 Seek medical attention if you feel any symptoms or concerns.
8. 📂 Contact your insurance and provide accurate, complete information.
9. 🗃️ Organize your records (reports, bills, estimates, communications).

If you drive, visit, or live in Atlanta, knowing these steps and local contacts can help you stay calmer and more prepared if you ever experience a car crash in Atlanta, GA.